The Reading Room was originally built for the use of men working at the Goyt Mill (just down the hill from the Reading Room). It had baths at the back, and was used for reading newspapers and other recreational purposes. It was left in a privately held trust, but all of the original trustees are dead. By the early 1970s the Reading Room had become very run down. The Mill had ceased production and no longer had any employees and the remaining retired employees were becoming increasingly elderly. Consequently, there were few people around to take an interest in its upkeep.

In 1979 a group of local residents got together and formed a new committee. They put a great deal of effort into raising money for repairs, and actually carrying them out. The kitchen was created, new lighting installed, and much other decorating and repair work done. The committee decided to seek an entertainment license for the hall, so that it could become a fully fledged social club. However they ran into difficulties because the proximity of the hall to local houses meant that they would have to install soundproofing and ventilation before they could even be considered for a license, and there was no guarantee that it would be granted. At that point many of the committee resigned and handed over responsibility for the running of the hall to a committee made up of people currently using the building on a regular basis. Unfortunately, as these users ceased to run their clubs/classes etc, they also resigned, until the committee was left with only three members. In addition, members of the "Ancient Order of Buffaloes" had been under-taking repair work, but when they also ceased meeting, it meant that there was no one to see to the upkeep.

In 1990 the three remaining committee members sought help from the Marple Community Council, and Councillor Eric Kime called a public meeting to try and seek new committee members, and generate interest in getting the hall back on its feet again as a local facility. He also arranged for the Council surveyors to inspect the building, and they reported that it was basically sound. A new committee was formed, and several working parties were formed. In addition, grants were received from the Council lottery fund, the Marple Carnival Charities Committee, and the Stockport Community Trust. As the hall got back on its feet again, more users became attracted to it, with the result that income increased, and money became available for further repairs and decoration.

With practical help from committee members and users the hall was gradually brought up to its present condition. Repairs were undertaken to the roof, and there is an ongoing programme of re-pointing the outside. The boundary wall in front of the hall was leaning and had become dangerous. Working parties demolished and rebuilt it, and laid additional flags at the front. The hall floor had become exceedingly worn, and with help from the Karate Club, the present floor of chipboard was laid over the old one, giving an even surface for activities. The building is of lath and plaster construction, and after some repairs to ceiling plaster, the whole hall was papered with woodchip paper to prevent any further crumbling. Most rercently, in 2021 there was another major programme of repair and decoration including fixing the ceiling.

All this work has been done voluntarily by members of the community. Volunteer committee members are always needed to oversee the future of this valuable community asset. If you feel you could become involved, please fill in the contact form

The following is a copy of an article, dated 13th October 1906, found in the records.

NEW SOCIAL CLUB AT HAWK GREEN, MARPLE

For many years there was a 'Reading Room' at Hawk Green near Marple, in which met the old Local Board for a long time after its formation, until the offices in Marple proper were acquired. When the Co-operative Society obtained the shop and cottages at Hawk Green, the old reading room was closed, and the young men and others using it were deprived of their meeting place. Of late efforts were made to obtain fresh premises, and these have culminated in the acquisition of land etc., and a good start was made for the proposed building. On Saturday afternoon, amid great rejoicing, the foundation stones of the new building were laid in the presence of a large crowd of spectators. Mr Wm Bradbury, J.P., Chairman of the Urban District Council, presided. In the course of an address, Mr Bradbury alluded to the old reading room behind the shop at Hawk Green, which was also used for meetings of the Local Board. When the Co-operative Society altered the premises, the young men were deprived of their room and had nowhere to go. He looked on the proceedings that day as a commencement of a new era for the place, and thought there was a bright prospect before them. Man was made a social being, and yearned to meet with his fellow men, where he might have "intercourse" and exchange ideas. was glad to find that the working of that club was to be on very broad principles. No politics or sectarianism were to be allowed. They might be Liberals or Conservatives, Socialists, Labour men, Churchmen, Nonconformists, or even Roman Catholics, but they would have to keep their opinions to themselves there. Any young person of 14 years of age could join. He was informed that the club would be conducted on temperance tines. There was an amount of shyness on the part of some young men who could not Say "No thank you' • when they should, and in that club there would not be the temptation they might meet with in other places. He saw by the circular that the estimated cost of the building, exclusive of furnishing, was £322. There was a room set aside for a billiard table, and that with the rest of the furnishing etc., would bring up the total to little short of £500 in round figures.Mr Shepley, J.P. had generously given the ground for a site, and Mr Frank Barlow, J.P., C.C., had given a subscription of £l00). He trusted that when the premises were ready for opening they would be out of debt (Applause).

Mr Bradbury read a letter he had received from Mrs Frank Barlow, regretting that she was unable to attend and enclosing a donation of five guineas. She expressed her warm sympathy with the young men and their object, and hoped that the new building would find them means of healthful recreation, and of helping them on their way in life. Mr Bradbury then laid a Stone on behalf of Mrs Barlow, and said that he should have pleasure in handing her the trowel, which was presented by Mr E.N. Davenport of Disley. Mr W .A. Wood, of Hawk Green, presented a trowel to Mrs Samuel Dixon, of Dolefield, Marple, who laid a stone (see photo on main page). Major Wainwright, J.P., presented a trowel to Mrs McLaine who laid a third stone. Mr Charles F. Johnson, of Buxton, (a native of Marple) was the recipient of a trowel from Mr A.M. Creswell,on laying the fourth stone. Mr Johnson made a lively and vigorous speech, and generously handed over the title deeds conveying the land to the trustees, as a free gift. Dr Burton presented a trowel to Mr Councillor Walter B. Hodgkinson, who laid the fifth stone, and Mr Councillor H.N. Bickerton presented another trowel to Mr Mountcastle who laid the sixth stone, which concluded the ceremony. The Marple Reed Band took part in the proceedings. Tea was subsequently provided in the United Methodist Free Church School. After tea a concert was organised, Mr Councillor George Pott presiding„

(rest of text hard to decipher)